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Heist films have long been a staple of cinema, captivating audiences with their blend of intricate planning, high-stakes drama, and adrenaline-pumping action. In this list of the 50 Greatest Heist Films of All Time, we’ve ranked the best of the genre based on the highest-rated movies across the internet, according to both audiences and critics. At their core, heist films revolve around the meticulous execution of a theft or robbery, often featuring a group of skilled criminals who must navigate obstacles, betrayals, and unexpected twists to pull off their audacious plans.
These movies combine suspense, strategy, and a touch of glamour, offering viewers a thrilling glimpse into the world of masterminds and outlaws. From Steven Soderbergh’s slick and stylish capers to Jean-Pierre Melville’s masterful tales of crime and deception, these 50 heist films showcase the ingenuity and daring of cinematic criminals. Whether you’re a casual film-goer, a film connoisseur, or stuck somewhere in between, get ready to be enthralled by these unforgettable tales of elaborate capers and brilliant masterminds.
Disclaimer: The films on this list are not ranked solely by how well they portray the heist genre or by their status as ‘quintessential heist films.’ (That’s a bit too subjective, even for us.) Instead, they represent the highest-rated films within the heist film genre.
Click below to delve deeper into our rating system and learn all about the inner workings of our algorithm.
Top10nerScore65.460 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Frankenheimer
WRITERS: David Mamet, J.D. Zeik
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Fraisse
STARRING: Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgård, Sean Bean, Jonathan Pryce
GENRE: Action, Thriller, Heist Film
A briefcase with undisclosed contents – sought by Irish terrorists and the Russian mob – makes its way into criminals’ hands. An Irish liaison assembles a squad of mercenaries, or ‘ronin’, and gives them the thorny task of recovering the case.
Ronin is a thrilling ride through the streets of Europe, where a team of skilled operatives takes on a high-stakes heist. With its intense car chases, intricate plot, and sharp dialogue, this film offers a smart, gritty, and highly engaging experience for heist aficionados.
Top10nerScore65.780 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Blake Edwards
WRITERS: Maurice Richlin, Blake Edwards
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Philip H. Lathrop
STARRING: Peter Sellers, David Niven, Claudia Cardinale, Capucine, Robert Wagner, Brenda De Banzie
GENRE: Comedy, Heist Film, Whodunit
Bumbling and conceited French police inspector Clouseau tries to catch The Phantom, a daring jewel thief whose identity and features are unknown – and is acting right under his nose.
The Pink Panther dazzles with a mix of charm and wit, weaving a clever heist plot with sophisticated comedy. David Niven’s suave thief and Peter Sellers’ bumbling Inspector Clouseau craft a delightful cat-and-mouse game. A timeless caper brimming with elegance and laughs.
Top10nerScore65.919 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ridley Scott
WRITERS: Nicholas Griffin, Ted Griffin
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Mathieson
STARRING: Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Alison Lohman, Bruce Altman, Bruce McGill
GENRE: Crime, Drama, Comedy, Heist Film
A phobic con artist and his protege are on the verge of pulling off a lucrative swindle when the con artist’s teenage daughter arrives unexpectedly.
Matchstick Men delights with its slick heist narrative and dynamic duo. Nicolas Cage’s quirky con artist and Sam Rockwell’s playful partner-in-crime deliver engaging performances. Ridley Scott’s direction ensures a thrilling ride packed with twists, humor, and genuine heart.
Top10nerScore66.516 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Steven Soderbergh
WRITERS: Jules Asner
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Steven Soderbergh
STARRING: Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Daniel Craig, Riley Keough, Katie Holmes
GENRE: Heist Film, Comedy
Trying to reverse a family curse, brothers Jimmy and Clyde Logan set out to execute an elaborate robbery during the legendary Coca-Cola 600 race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Logan Lucky is a rollicking heist film with a blue-collar twist. Soderbergh’s direction shines as a down-on-their-luck family plots an elaborate NASCAR robbery. Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, and a scene-stealing Daniel Craig deliver charm and wit in this cleverly crafted caper.
Top10nerScore66.917 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Peter Collinson
WRITERS: Troy Kennedy Martin
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Douglas Slocombe
STARRING: Michael Caine, Noël Coward, Benny Hill, Margaret Blye, Raf Vallone, Tony Beckley, Rossano Brazzi
GENRE: Heist Film, Comedy
Charlie is just out of the prison when he learns about his friends’ failed attempt at carrying out a heist in Italy. Now with the Mafia close on his heels, he intends to carry out the job himself.
The Italian Job dazzles with its stylish heist, iconic Mini Coopers, and Michael Caine’s charisma. This caper blends humor and high-octane thrills, showcasing a brilliantly executed robbery that’s both entertaining and audacious, with a finale that’s pure comedic genius.
Top10nerScore67.737 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Michael Cimino
WRITERS: Michael Cimino
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Frank Stanley
STARRING: Clint Eastwood, Jeff Bridges, George Kennedy, Geoffrey Lewis, Catherine Bach
GENRE: Buddy, Heist Film, Road Movie, New Hollywood, Comedy
With the help of an irreverent young sidekick, a bank robber gets his old gang back together to organise a daring new heist.
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot delivers a thrilling heist adventure with a perfect blend of clever plotting and exhilarating action. Eastwood and Bridges shine with dynamic chemistry, navigating a labyrinth of twists, humor, and excitement. A standout caper that keeps audiences hooked.
Top10nerScore68.015 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Robert Siodmak
WRITERS: Daniel Fuchs, William Bowers
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Franz Planer
STARRING: Burt Lancaster, Yvonne De Carlo, Dan Duryea, Stephen McNally
GENRE: Film noir, Heist Film
An armored-car guard must join a robbery after being caught with his ex-wife by her gangster husband.
Criss Cross is a riveting gem in heist cinema, brimming with stylish noir flair and intricate twists. Lancaster delivers a masterful performance, navigating a web of deception with finesse. The film’s taut narrative and atmospheric tension keep viewers hooked until the last frame.
Top10nerScore69.047 / 100
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DIRECTOR: William Wyler
WRITERS: Harry Kurnitz
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Charles Lang
STARRING: Audrey Hepburn, Peter O’Toole, Hugh Griffith, Eli Wallach, Charles Boyer
GENRE: Romantic Comedy, Heist Film
A woman must steal a statue from a Paris museum to help conceal her father’s art forgeries.
In How to Steal a Million, William Wyler crafts a dazzling heist film where sophistication meets wit. Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole shine as a charming duo, blending romance with clever capers. It’s a stylish escapade with laugh-out-loud moments and smart twists.
Top10nerScore69.129 / 100
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DIRECTOR: David O. Russell
WRITERS: David O. Russell
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Newton Thomas Sigel
STARRING: George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, Spike Jonze, Cliff Curtis, Nora Dunn, Jamie Kennedy
GENRE: War, Heist Film, Black Comedy, Action
A group of American soldiers stationed in Iraq at the end of the Gulf War find a map they believe will take them to a huge cache of stolen Kuwaiti gold hidden near their base, and they embark on a secret mission that’s destined to change everything.
Three Kings is a high-octane heist film that blends action, humor, and sharp political satire. With its inventive plot and dynamic performances, it turns a desert mission into a thrilling, socially-conscious adventure. A unique spin on the heist genre with relentless energy.
Top10nerScore69.172 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Brian G. Hutton
WRITERS: Troy Kennedy Martin
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gabriel Figueroa
STARRING: Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland, Don Rickles, Gavin MacLeod, Carroll O’Connor, Harry Dean Stanton
GENRE: War, Comedy, Adventure, Heist Film, Action
A misfit group of World War II American soldiers goes AWOL to rob a bank behind German lines.
Kelly’s Heroes dazzles as a World War II heist film that merges sharp humor with clever strategy. The film’s audacious plot – an American squad raiding a Nazi gold stash – delivers a thrilling blend of action and comedy. It’s a heist adventure with charisma and wit.
Top10nerScore69.340 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ben Affleck
WRITERS: Ben Affleck, Peter Craig, Aaron Stockard
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Elswit
STARRING: Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Blake Lively, Pete Postlethwaite, Chris Cooper
GENRE: Heist Film, Thriller, Drama, Crime
The leader of a band of bank robbers tracks down one of their hostages to find out what she knows and inadvertently begins falling in love with her, while the FBI starts to close in on the gang.
The Town delivers an electrifying heist thriller that crackles with intensity. Affleck crafts a gripping narrative of crime and redemption set against Boston’s gritty underground. With standout performances and nail-biting suspense, it’s a masterclass in adrenaline-pumping cinema.
Top10nerScore69.403 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ulu Grosbard
WRITERS: Edward Bunker, Alvin Sargent, Jeffrey Boam
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Owen Roizman
STARRING: Dustin Hoffman, Theresa Russell, Harry Dean Stanton, Gary Busey, M. Emmet Walsh, Kathy Bates
GENRE: Crime, New Hollywood, Drama, Heist Film
After being released on parole, a burglar attempts to go straight, get a regular job, and just go by the rules. He soon finds himself back in jail at the hands of a power-hungry parole officer.
Straight Time offers a riveting heist thriller where Dustin Hoffman shines as an ex-con entangled in a high-stakes job. The film excels in its raw portrayal of criminal life and ambition, delivering a gripping, authentic narrative that’s both intense and immersive.
Top10nerScore69.574 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Wes Anderson
WRITERS: Owen Wilson, Wes Anderson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert D. Yeoman
STARRING: Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, James Caan, Robert Musgrave, Lumi Cavazos, Andrew Wilson
GENRE: Comedy, Buddy, Heist Film
Upon his release from a mental hospital following a nervous breakdown, the directionless Anthony joins his friend Dignan, who seems far less sane than the former. Dignan has hatched a hair-brained scheme for an as-yet-unspecified crime spree that somehow involves his former boss, the (supposedly) legendary Mr. Henry.
Bottle Rocket delights with its inventive heist plot and whimsical humor. Wes Anderson’s debut offers a refreshing twist on the caper genre, focusing on bumbling thieves and their endearing misadventures. The film’s originality and quirky charm make it an unforgettable watch.
Top10nerScore69.699 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sidney Lumet
WRITERS: Kelly Masterson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ron Fortunato
STARRING: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney, Marisa Tomei, Michael Shannon, Amy Ryan, Aleksa Palladino
GENRE: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Family Drama, Heist Film
When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents’ jewelry store, the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that send them and their family hurtling towards a shattering climax.
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead delivers a riveting heist drama infused with suspense and raw emotion. Lumet crafts a masterful tale of a botched robbery that spirals into chaos, where family tensions and moral dilemmas collide, making every twist a gut-wrenching surprise.
Top10nerScore69.872 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Spike Lee
WRITERS: Russell Gewirtz
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Matthew Libatique
STARRING: Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer, Willem Dafoe, Chiwetel Ejiofor
GENRE: Heist Film, Thriller, Police Procedural
When an armed, masked gang enter a Manhattan bank, lock the doors and take hostages, the detective assigned to effect their release enters negotiations preoccupied with corruption charges he is facing.
Inside Man is a slick, smart heist thriller that keeps you guessing. With sharp dialogue and a gripping plot, Spike Lee crafts a cerebral game of cat-and-mouse. Denzel Washington and Clive Owen deliver stellar performances, making this a heist film to treasure and revisit.
Top10nerScore69.889 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Morten Tyldum
WRITERS: Lars Gudmestad, Ulf Rydberg
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Andreas Andersen
STARRING: Aksel Hennie, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Synnøve Macody Lund, Julie R. Ølgaard, Eivind Sander
GENRE: Thriller, Crime, Nordic Noir, Heist Film
Roger seems to have it all: he is Norway’s most successful headhunter, is married to a beautiful gallery-owner, and owns a magnificent villa—but needs to steal art on the side to afford his lifestyle. When his wife introduces him to Clas Greve, he finds the new target of his biggest hit ever.
Headhunters delivers a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled heist thriller that keeps audiences on edge. With sharp twists and clever plot, it deftly combines dark humor and intense action. A must-watch for thrill-seekers, this Norwegian gem packs a punch with style and wit.
Top10nerScore70.183 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Raoul Walsh
WRITERS: W.R. Burnett, John Huston
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tony Gaudio
STARRING: Humphrey Bogart, Ida Lupino, Alan Curtis, Arthur Kennedy, Joan Leslie
GENRE: Heist Film, Drama, Gangster Film, Film noir, Crime
After being released from prison, notorious thief Roy Earle is hired by his old boss to help a group of inexperienced criminals plan and carry out the robbery of a California resort.
High Sierra skillfully blends heist thrills with Bogart’s iconic gritty charm. Ida Lupino’s performance adds depth, while the rugged landscapes set a dramatic stage. A compelling mix of action and character, this classic crime saga captivates audiences from start to finish.
Top10nerScore70.411 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Don Siegel
WRITERS: Howard Rodman, Dean Riesner
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael C. Butler
STARRING: Walter Matthau, Joe Don Baker, Felicia Farr, Andrew Robinson, Sheree North, John Vernon, Norman Fell
GENRE: Heist Film, New Hollywood, Thriller
Charley Varrick robs a bank in a small town with his friends, but instead of obtaining a small amount of money, they discover they stole a very large amount of money belonging to the mob. Charley must now come up with a plan to not only evade the police but the mob as well.
Charley Varrick revitalizes the heist genre with its sharp, inventive approach. Matthau stars as a cunning thief whose meticulously planned robbery unravels into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse. With a taut script and clever twists, this film keeps audiences gripped throughout.
Top10nerScore70.557 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Steven Soderbergh
WRITERS: Scott Frank
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Elliot Davis
STARRING: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle, Dennis Farina, Albert Brooks, Steve Zahn, Luis Guzmán
GENRE: Heist Film, Romance, Crime
Meet Jack Foley, a smooth criminal who bends the law and is determined to make one last heist. Karen Sisco is a federal marshal who chooses all the right moves … and all the wrong guys. Now they’re willing to risk it all to find out if there’s more between them than just the law.
Out of Sight sizzles with charm and wit, weaving a clever heist plot through steamy romance and sharp dialogue. George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez’s chemistry electrifies every scene, while Soderbergh’s expertise turns a crime story into a stylish, unforgettable ride.
Top10nerScore70.657 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sam Peckinpah
WRITERS: Walter Hill
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lucien Ballard
STARRING: Steve McQueen, Ali MacGraw, Ben Johnson, Al Lettieri, Sally Struthers, Slim Pickens
GENRE: Thriller, New Hollywood, Action, Heist Film, Road Movie, Crime
Doc McCoy has been granted parole. The catch is that Sheriff Beynon expects a small favor from McCoy for his generosity: robbing another bank…
The Getaway is a riveting heist film that crackles with tension and grit. Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw deliver magnetic performances, navigating a labyrinth of betrayals and bullets. Peckinpah’s direction amplifies the adrenaline, making every twist and turn count.
Top10nerScore71.019 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Charles Crichton
WRITERS: T. E. B. Clarke
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Douglas Slocombe
STARRING: Alec Guinness, Stanley Holloway, Sidney James, Marjorie Fielding, Alfie Bass
GENRE: Comedy, Heist Film
A meek bank clerk who oversees the shipments of bullion joins with an eccentric neighbor to steal gold bars and smuggle them out of the country.
The Lavender Hill Mob showcases an ingenious heist with a delightful blend of wit and charm. Alec Guinness shines as an unassuming bank clerk whose meticulous plan to steal gold bars is both hilariously clever and riveting. A classic example of British comedic brilliance.
Top10nerScore72.253 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Kathryn Bigelow
WRITERS: W. Peter Iliff
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Donald Peterman
STARRING: Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, Gary Busey, Lori Petty, John C. McGinley, James Le Gros
GENRE: Action, Crime, Heist Film
In Los Angeles, a gang of bank robbers call themselves The Ex-Presidents commit their crimes while wearing masks of Reagan, Carter, Nixon and Johnson. The F.B.I. believes that the members of the gang could be surfers and send young agent Johnny Utah undercover at the beach to mix with the surfers and gather information.
Point Break delivers a high-octane heist thrill ride with Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze at their charismatic best. The film blends skydiving and surf culture into its high-stakes robberies, crafting a gripping, action-packed experience that’s both exhilarating and unforgettable.
Top10nerScore72.456 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Edgar Wright
WRITERS: Edgar Wright
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bill Pope
STARRING: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, Eiza González, Jon Bernthal
GENRE: Heist Film, Action, Music
After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail.
Baby Driver is a thrilling ride where heist dynamics and adrenaline-pumping action merge with a killer soundtrack. Wright orchestrates a slick, rhythm-driven caper, where every pulse-pounding scene syncs perfectly with the beat. A genre-defining joyride for heist enthusiasts.
Top10nerScore72.669 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Peter Yates
WRITERS: Paul Monash
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Victor J. Kemper
STARRING: Robert Mitchum, Peter Boyle, Richard Jordan, Steven Keats, Alex Rocco, Joe Santos
GENRE: Heist Film, Gangster Film, New Hollywood, Neo-Noir
An aging hood is about to go back to prison. Hoping to escape his fate, he supplies information on stolen guns to the feds, while simultaneously supplying arms to his bank robbing chums.
The Friends of Eddie Coyle grips with its gritty, realistic portrayal of a heist-riddled Boston. With meticulous detail, the film immerses viewers in a world of betrayal and cunning, where every twist in the heist plan amplifies the tension. A gripping, raw gem in crime cinema.
Top10nerScore72.780 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sebastian Schipper
WRITERS: Olivia Neergaard-Holm, Eike Frederik Schulz, Sebastian Schipper
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sturla Brandth Grøvlen
STARRING: Laia Costa, Frederick Lau, Burak Yigit, Max Mauff, Franz Rogowski, André Hennicke
GENRE: Drama, Heist Film, Romance, Crime
A young Spanish woman who has newly moved to Berlin finds her flirtation with a local guy turn potentially deadly as their night out with his friends reveals a dangerous secret.
Victoria reinvents the heist genre with its thrilling real-time journey. Captured in a daring single shot, the film plunges into a Berlin night brimming with adrenaline and high-stakes antics. With its dynamic energy and bold innovation, it’s an unforgettable, pulse-pounding ride.
